Underachieving

Just when it seemed as if the Miami Heat's struggles were over, and they were well on their way to a championship, they suffer a skid, picking up Ls in five of their last six. The most recent occured earlier tonight: a 93-88 loss courtesy of the Knicks, who coming in were losers of seven straight.

After watching a good amount of the Knicks game, the reason why loomed right out at me, or anyone who knows the tiniest bit about basketball. It's the same problem you would see at an elementary school pick-up game. What's amazing is that coach Erik Spolestra didn't pick up on it at all, or maybe he did, but was afraid to say anything. He might not have wanted to tell LeBron and Wade (but mostly LeBron) to stop hogging the basketball.

Possession after possession in the 4th quarter I'd see the Knicks kick the ball around on offense, set screens, and find Landry Fields or Danilo Gallinari for an open three, or Amare down low, etc. Then Miami would take the ball down, Wade would and hand it off to LeBron (who shot just 7-24 on the night), and the King would dribble around and promptly take an acrobatic, contested J. One guy has the ball, the other four stand there was Miami's offense in the late stages. Not a single rehearsed play was recognizable.

Much of this seems to be at the fault of Spolestra, who is looking like the same inexperienced coach many were begging to be fired after the Heat's mediocre 9-8 start to the season. The timeouts he called amounted to nothing, unless he just repeatedly told his team to run the iso. Because that's all they were doing. The Heat's play looked like their coach either didn't know what he was doing, or didn't have control of the team.

LeBron and Wade are certainly the top players in the game; everyone knows that. But, LeBron especially, needs to realize that he doesn't need to do everything alone, that he has a team around him, regardless of its talent. The guys around him in Miami are certainly much better those in Cleveland, as demonstrated by their current woes. But instead of driving to the hoop every time and throwing up prayers, LeBron should kick it out to James Jones a few more times; the guy's money from beyond, or find a cutter (the few times there is one). I realize he's missing Bosh, but everyone on that team is an NBA player, which means they all have to be at least kind of good. Actually running set plays would help the Heat as well.

I certainly am not one to talk, but I can just see by watching the Heat for a few minutes the problem staring them straight in the eye. If LeBron played more like the point forward he did in Cleveland, top ten in assists, that would drastically improve his play. As power forward filling in for Bosh, he seems to think every time he touches the ball, he must score. The Heat will be fine as the season goes on, but this current stretch shows that they haven't jelled just yet.

Christmas Showdowns

On the day I'm going to be eating Chinese for dinner, the NBA has its annual Christmas marquee matchups planned. Tomorrow's slate includes the Bulls at the Knicks, Boston at Orlando, Miami at the Lakers, the Nuggets at the Thunder, and Portland playing in Golden State. But the one everyone is really looking at is the Heat going to LA. The Big 3 of LeBron, D-Wade and Bosh going up against Kobe and his boys.

Phil Jackson and LeBron have already complained about the games on Christmas, saying how it should be a day they get to be their families, but they will be played nonetheless. Lakers point guard and vet Derek Fisher has downplayed the significance of the game, how it is still a great matchup, but doesn't determine anything in June, or whenever the NBA season finally ends.

My prediction is that tomorrow the Heat will get the best of the Lakers, 96-92. Down to the wire. The Big 3 will do most of the scoring for Miami as always, but expect either LeBron or Wade to struggle from the field. Defensive specialist Ron Artest will most likely be glued to the former King of Cleveland. But Kobe, Pau Gasol and the Lakers will be able to pull one out.

My other predictions include, Chicago slaying the Knicks, the new-look Magic taking down the Celtics and ending their 14-game win streak (gasp), Durant's boys beating Melo and the Nuggets, and who cares about the last game. Blazers will win, though. Have a Merry Christmas, 99% of the country. I'll enjoy my Chinese chicken.

Durant #1 Superstar in NBA - Over LeBron

Now that LeBron has given up some stats due to his move to Miami, and Kobe is aging, 3rd-year Thunder forward Kevin Durant will likely emerge as this season's top superstar. He is ranked highest by ESPN in fantasy auction drafts, worth $8 more than LeBron, and $4 more than Chris Paul, who is ranked 2nd to Durant. I know it's extremely early, but as of Nov. 1, James is averaging 20.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, and 6.0 apg. These stats seem to be accurate as to what he will produce for the remainder of the season. Durant, last year's scoring champ, on the other hand, is putting up 29.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, and 1.7 apg. Now you might say LeBron's numbers are more well rounded, but the casual fan recognizes scoring more than assists if the player is not a point guard. Also, Durant is the leader of his team, while LeBron chose not to be, surrounding himself with D-Wade, and Bosh. And the way things are playing out, Miami is not even LeBron's team, but Wade's. Argue all you want, but as of right now, Durant is the NBA's cover guy.